November 15, 2010
USAID/AFGHANISTAN VOUCHERS
FOR INCREASED PRODUCTION IN AGRICULTURE (AVIPA) PLUS
USAID/Afghanistan Vouchers for
Increased Production in Agriculture
(AVIPA) Plus program
Implemented in cooperation with
.
Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and
Livestock (MAIL) – Afghanistan
info@ird-av.org
AVIPA Plus is funded by the United States
Agency for International Development
(USAID) and implemented by International
Relief and Development (IRD) in 32
provinces in Afghanistan.
OBJECTIVES
 To increase rural family farm production and productivity
 To strengthen links between the Government of the Islamic
Republic of Afghanistan and its people
BACKGROUND
 2008/09: distributed 10,300 metric tons of high quality wheat
seed and 33,000 tons of fertilizer at a reduced cost to nearly
297,000 farmers in 18 provinces of Afghanistan
 2009/10: distributed 18,000 tons of certified and quality-
declared seed and 55,000 tons of fertilizer to 350,000 farmers
 Stabilization operation in Helmand and Kandahar provinces
in close collaboration with ISAF – part of the COIN strategy:
o Cash for Work activities stimulate local economies and
provide income for local communities drawing away the
population from the insurgency
o Small Grants Program supports in-kind grants consisting
of tractors, tools and implements for MAIL-approved
farmer’s cooperatives
o Agricultural Vouchers focus on seeds, fertilizer, tools,
greenhouses, water pumps and storage bags offered to
farmers at a subsidized price
o Training and Capacity Development focuses on voucher
and small grants program beneficiaries and MAIL
extension agents. The training courses include modern
propagation methods, animal husbandry, orchard
management, integrated pest management, as well as
operation and maintenance of farm machinery
 2010/11: National Seed Distribution Program (NSDP) supplies
13,000 tons of certified wheat seed and 39,000 tons of
fertilizer to 260,000 farmers in 31 out of the 34 provinces of
Afghanistan
 The Mechanization Program offers up to 6,000 two-wheel
tractors and implements for purchase by commercial farmers
with medium-size land holdings
RESULTS AS OF NOVEMBER 15, 2010
 583,000 agricultural voucher packages distributed to farmers
throughout Afghanistan
 240,500 graduates have completed various modules of
agricultural training
 826 Cash for Work projects have been completed employing
over 106,000 laborers
 373 small grants valued at $16 million awarded to 58,600
beneficiaries